What are the first signs of menopause?

Understanding Menopause: Symptoms and Management

What are the first symptoms to expect when you start menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that typically occurs between 45 and 55, with an average onset around 51. However, the timing varies among individuals, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and other factors. The transition, termed perimenopause, often precedes menopause by several years, marked by irregular periods and various symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Menopause:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Previously predictable cycles become erratic.
• Hot Flashes: Intense waves of heat accompanied by sweating.
• Night Sweats: Hot flashes occurring during sleep, leading to excessive perspiration.
• Vaginal Dryness: Reduced natural lubrication, causing discomfort during sex.
• Decreased Libido: Lower interest in sexual activity.
• Mood Changes: Emotional fluctuations, irritability, and even depression.
• Sleep Disruptions: Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or rundown.
• Weight Changes: Hormonal fluctuations influencing metabolism and weight.
• Skin and Hair Changes: Thinning hair and alterations in skin texture.
• Cognitive Function: Challenges with concentration and memory (sometimes referred to as "brain fog").

It's important to note that not every woman experiences all symptoms, and their severity varies. Seeking guidance from an experienced healthcare provider is crucial to manage menopausal symptoms effectively.

Managing Menopausal Symptoms:

signs/side effects 

Reduced sex drive.   

Losing weight 

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Involves replacing lost hormones like testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone. It can alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, HRT isn't suitable for everyone and carries associated risks that need discussion with a healthcare provider.

• Non-hormonal Medication: SSRIs or SNRIs may help manage mood swings and hot flashes.
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• Vaginal Estrogen: Topical estrogen treatments address vaginal dryness with reduced systemic effects.
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• Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced diet, stress reduction, and adequate sleep can manage symptoms.
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• Herbal Supplementation: Some herbal remedies like black cohosh or soy isoflavones might offer relief, but their efficacy isn't FDA evaluated. Consultation with a physician before starting any supplement is crucial.
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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Proven to help manage mood swings and emotional symptoms.
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• Supportive Therapies: Yoga, meditation, massage, and acupuncture may alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Each woman's experience is unique, necessitating a personalized approach.

Consulting a healthcare provider about individual symptoms, medical history, and preferences is essential to explore suitable treatment options. An experienced physician can offer personalized recommendations and guidance through this natural life stage.

Signs and symptoms of menopause in women and how to treat them.

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.   taking testosterone, 

Vaginal estrogen. 

 

Testosterone therapy for women

"Understanding Testosterone Therapy for Women: Risks and Benefits at NovaGenix Health and Wellness"

Why Do Women Take Testosterone?

Learn about the risks and benefits of testosterone therapy for women and why HRT may be a good option for some.
 

 

 Most people have heard about Testosterone therapy for men, but what about Testosterone therapy for women? Testosterone replacement therapy isn't solely for men; it's an option for women, too. Often associated with male hormone management, testosterone therapy for women addresses a range of health conditions resulting from lower testosterone levels. Causes can vary—from menopause to chronic medical issues, surgical procedures, or certain medications that disrupt the endocrine system.

Factors like age, stress, and lifestyle also contribute to low hormone levels in women. It's essential to underscore that testosterone therapy for women isn't novel; it's been utilized for over 80 years in some regions. In Australia and England, it's been part of healthcare for over 60 years. This therapy might help alleviate symptoms like reduced libido, fatigue, unexpected weight gain, mood changes, and more.

 But is it effective and safe, and what is androgen deficiency in women?  HRT for women is generally quite safe however, any medication has potential risks. Therefore, it's crucial to approach this therapy under the guidance of a healthcare professional. While considered effective and safe, it's paramount to discuss both the benefits and the risks with your doctor before starting treatment.

Women naturally produce testosterone in their ovaries and to a lesser extent in adrenal glands. A deficiency might occur in some women due to various reasons, influencing their menstrual cycle and decreasing with age, especially post-menopause. Low testosterone levels have been linked to several symptoms and health conditions, leading many women to explore testosterone therapy discussions with their healthcare providers.

Testosterone replacement in females requires careful administration under the direct supervision of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Generally, women may receive a gel or cream topically, but other administration methods such as injections, patches, sublingual troches, or pellets are also available. This therapy is typically safe when used for specific medical conditions associated with low testosterone levels. Yet, similar to any medication, it should not be used without a physician's direct supervision due to potential side effects.

 

 

Its important to approach hormone replacement therapy for women carefully and seek help from a licensed physician with experience like Dr. Timothy Mackey from NovaGenix. He can discuss pros and possible side effects. The side effects may include virilization, mood changes, skin issues, and polycythemia. Women generally receive lower testosterone doses than men, considering their naturally lower testosterone levels.

Individual hormone levels vary significantly, influenced by genetics, age, health, and other factors. On average, total testosterone levels in adult women range from 15 to 70 ng/dL of blood. Yet, these values fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, generally increasing during the mid-follicular phase and decreasing during the luteal phase. After menopause, testosterone levels may further decrease.

Testosterone therapy for women at NOvaGenix.

Should a woman be concerned about her testosterone levels or experience symptoms related to low testosterone, consulting a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and interpretation of blood-test results is advisable. Testosterone levels need consideration in the context of an individual's overall health and medical history.

It's critical for women contemplating testosterone therapy to engage in a comprehensive discussion with their physician, assessing potential risks and benefits. Informed decision-making about treatment is crucial, and having an experienced physician is vital. Hormone replacement therapy is not advised for non-medical reasons or performance enhancement.

Testosterone therapy for women might offer several benefits when appropriately administered for specific medical conditions, including improved sexual function, energy, mood, confidence, bone mineral density preservation, muscle strength, cognitive benefits, and relief from menopausal symptoms.

However, these benefits should be carefully evaluated against potential risks, and any hormone replacement should be tailored based on individual medical conditions and blood tests. An experienced healthcare provider should guide the treatment, considering the overall signs and symptoms. Seeking a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or OB/GYN, experienced in hormone replacement therapy is often recommended due to the specialized nature of this treatment.

Contact NovaGenix Health and Wellness for personalized advice and consultations regarding testosterone therapy for women. 

more about menopause, and the benefits of testosterone for women as they age. 

Can You Get Testosterone Therapy Online?

 Can a doctor prescribe hormones through telemedicine for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Online TRT: Can a doctor prescribe hormones through telemedicine?

 

Online TRT at NovaGenix

It's feasible for patients to receive testosterone replacement therapy from an online physician via telemedicine. However, it's crucial to research before discussing hormone therapy with a doctor. With the increasing prevalence of telemedicine, numerous licensed healthcare providers now offer online services, diagnosing, and prescribing testosterone therapy for men with Low T. These online consultations are convenient and offer access to qualified healthcare providers, often otherwise unavailable. Yet, it's essential to consult a reputable and licensed healthcare professional for both safety and effective treatment. Prior to seeking treatment, it's advisable to ensure compliance with legal and medical guidelines and review online sources such as Google,  the Better Business Bureau, or a local chamber of commerce.

A typical telemedicine consultation involves the following:

1.     Appointment Scheduling and Registration:

·        Schedule an appointment with a clinic offering telemedicine services for hormone replacement therapy. Registration might entail filling out a new patient intake form on their website like this one here.  Always ensure you can contact them directly.

2.     Virtual Appointment: Online TRT Consultation

·        Conduct a video or phone call with the physician or healthcare provider at the scheduled time. The advantage lies in remote access and interaction regardless of geographical constraints. Here they will discuss Some of the symptoms of low testosterone

3.     Review Medical History and Bloodwork:

·        Discuss past and current medical history, medications, and symptoms during the consultation. Blood Tests Needed to Start Testosterone Therapy, including Free and Total testosterone, estradiol, TSH, PSA, CBC, and CMP, are crucial for diagnosis.

4.     Symptom Description:

·        Describe current signs and symptoms such as diminished libido, fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings,  Erectile dysfunction (which doesn't respond to traditional ED medication), aiding the doctor in diagnosing Low T.

5.     Diagnosis and Treatment Plan:

·        Based on the discussion, the physician diagnoses and recommends a treatment plan, which might include testosterone cypionate or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

6.     Discussion and Q&A:

·        Utilize this time to inquire about treatment details, dosage, potential side effects, and any concerns.

7.     Prescriptions:

·        If required, the provider electronically sends prescriptions to a pharmacy, which can be picked up or delivered. Pharmacist or provider queries can be addressed.

8.     Follow-Up:

·        A follow-up appointment, typically a month later, may include additional bloodwork for assessing hormone levels and adjusting treatment.

Telemedicine consultations aim to simulate in-person visits, offering medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment from home. Actively participate and provide accurate information during the consultation for a comprehensive evaluation by the provider to ensure proper treatment and follow all FDA and board of health medical policies and guidelines  .